A jail inspection and legal awareness programme was organized at District Jail, Kohima by the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in collaboration with Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) today.
Member Secretary, NSLSA Neiko Akami, NJS, explained that the purpose of free legal service is to provide free assistance without charging money to defend and stand for those jail inmates who cannot afford a defense lawyer so that everyone lodged in the jail get proper legal representation.
Akami said that some are capable to afford a private lawyer. However, for those who cannot afford such facility on their own, an inmate can take the help of the legal services authority, where they will be represented without payment of any fee.
He said that after taking legal aid, the inmates need to clearly cite their case to the panel lawyer so that their appeals are clearly supported and informed the inmates that in the District Jail premise, there is a legal services clinic where panel lawyers visit on a daily basis.
Akami also added that apart from that, cases of convicts are sometimes taken up for appeal in higher courts if deemed fit.
Akami further stated that the government has set up Committee to look into the welfare of over 500 jail inmates in the state. In this regard, he said he looks into the welfare of the jail and the different facilities they require therefore the member secretary, said it is taking all necessary measures and steps to improve facilities for the welfare of the inmates.
The Member Secretary also said Kohima District Jail among the jails in the state across the district has one of the best basic facilities and although smaller in size is environmental friendly and have ample space for growth and reform.
Abraham, Addl. Public Prosecutor District Court Kohima called to understand judicial system and apart from not just penalizing a person for committing a crime, he asserted that the loss of freedom is meant to reflect seriousness of the offense.
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He said the larger purpose lies in reforming offenders through education, counseling, or skill-building so they can reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens and noted that it should be considered a correctional measures and take advantage wherein reform measures are for welfare of the person in conflict with law.
One advantage, the additional public prosecutor said was that an inmate enjoys having the luxury of time and can lead to personal insight and self-awareness.
“What is important is what has he/she become after release from Jail and not what happened,” he noted encouraging the inmates to prioritize rehabilitation.
Principal District & Sessions Judge cum Chairperson Kohima DLSA, Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS in her welcome address. She asked the inmates to take advantage of legal aid counsel and report to authorities in case any person demands any monetary amount beyond the free legal aid service.
Chief Judicial Magistrate & Secretary Kohima DLSA, Cheliam Khiamniungan, NJS, chaired the programme and Jail counselor Sarenti Aier pronounced the Invocation.
Sunny Keppen, Superintendent, District Jail delivered vote of thanks.
During the visit, the team led by member secretary held interaction with the jail inmates and explained to them their grievances and doubts.
The programme was attended by 49 jail inmates including the Under Trial Prisoners and convicts.
